These alternate grand gestures are tailored for different characters, themes, and stakes. A grand gesture should fit your characters' personalities, the tone of your story, and the conflict that needs resolving. Here are ideas across various romance tropes and scenarios, with examples to inspire your second chance romance or other love stories!
The character acknowledges past mistakes and takes responsibility for their actions.
- Idea: The character recreates a meaningful moment from their past relationship to show they still cherish it and want a fresh start.
- Example: Ethan restores an old clock from the library—a sentimental piece they loved during their relationship—to prove he’s committed to preserving her dreams.
The character gives up something meaningful to prove their love.
- Idea: They resign from their job or cancel a career-changing opportunity that conflicts with their partner’s values.
- Example: Ethan resigns from his development firm, choosing Sophia and the library over his high-powered career.
The character shows their love not only for their partner but also for what matters to them.
- Idea: Organize a community event that supports the partner’s passion.
- Example: Ethan arranges a surprise library benefit gala, inviting the entire town, and uses the event to propose a revised project plan.
The character proves they’ve changed by facing a fear or flaw.
- Idea: Overcome a personal fear to do something that means the world to their partner.
- Example: If Ethan is afraid of public speaking, he gives a heartfelt speech at the council meeting, baring his soul to Sophia in front of the community.
For quieter, character-driven romances, create a small but meaningful moment.
- Idea: Rebuild or fix something broken that represents their relationship.
- Example: Ethan repairs a dilapidated corner of the library—one that Sophia had given up on—showing his desire to rebuild not only the library but their connection.
For bold characters or dramatic moments, use a grand public display.
- Idea: The character interrupts an important event to make a heartfelt speech or confession.
- Example: During the library fundraiser’s busiest moment, Ethan takes the stage to explain why he’s abandoning the redevelopment project—and professes his love.
Use symbols tied to their relationship or shared history.
- Idea: Return something meaningful from their past relationship.
- Example: Ethan surprises Sophia with a restored rare book they once argued over during their first date at the library.
The character must show they’ve grown and deserve a second shot.
- Idea: Plan a heartfelt apology tied to a location where they broke up.
- Example: Ethan takes Sophia to the park where they had their last argument, recreates the moment, and says everything he wished he’d said before.
The character must prove they’ve changed their view of the other person.
- Idea: Sacrifice their pride for the other’s happiness.
- Example: Ethan admits to the town council that Sophia’s vision is better than his and withdraws his firm’s proposal.
The character closes the physical distance between them.
- Idea: Move to their partner’s city or town.
- Example: Ethan surprises Sophia by announcing he’s bought a house in her town, showing he’s committed to staying.
Dialogue Example:
- Ethan: “You told me once that this was the heart of the library. I couldn’t save everything, but I could at least bring this back to life—just like you brought me back to life.”
- Sophia: (Tearing up) “You did this for me?”
- Ethan: “For you. For us. For everything I was too blind to see before.”